The Constitution Review Commission (CRC) met officially for the first time yesterday to plan how to carry out its duties after appointment last month. It has been revealed that the government has already spent 5.5bn/- on its preparations.

This was said in Dar es Salaam yesterday by Constitutional and Legal Affairs Minister Mathias Chikawe, when he paid a visit to the constitutional review team offices in the city.

Chikawe said the amount covered all preparations needed by the team in implementing its duties.

“We have facilitated them to carry out their duties smoothly without obstacles,” he said.

He mentioned some of the things that had so far been implemented as having vehicles, office furniture and houses for each member.

“We will make sure the team carries out its duty smoothly and enable it to collect Tanzanian views,” he explained.

For his part, Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda, who was among the leaders, who went to have a glance at the team, appealed to members of the public to cooperate with the CRC. “I have decided today (yesterday) to visit the team and hold talks to hear some of their opinions on what they still need,” said Pinda.

He said he was happy to see that the team was motivated and eager to start carrying out its duties. He said it should be left free to work professionally and deliver according to public expectations.

Pinda noted that the government looked forward to seeing that all commissioners were given houses and vehicles to enable them to work efficiently.

According to Pinda, there are few things needed to be looked into before they start their work. He urged members of the public to feel free to air their views wherever the team visited them.

Meanwhile, CRC chairman Joseph Warioba has said they are holding a meeting to see how they will first conduct civic education to enable them to carry out their duties better.

“We are having a meeting that will help us see how and where to start,” he said describing the task ahead as crucial because all Tanzanians’ hopes were on them.

Warioba assured members of the public that they would use their experiences, skills and capabilities to reach out to as many people as possible and fulfil the commission’s objectives.